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Databases are vast online collections of scholarly resources waiting to be discovered.
Databases are collections of resources that can be searched online. They can be discipline specific (like education or business) or general. A library database will help you find:
Databases contain academic literature written by scholars and is generally reviewed by editors and experts. The content is more likely to be credible and thoroughly researched. In contrast, anyone can post content to the internet.
Most database content cannot be accessed by searching the internet (for example using Google) as they are behind paywalls. With library databases, access has been paid for by the library.
An internet search can be very broad. Using a database can focus your search to a specific field or resource type, making it easier and faster to find what you need.
Databases often have extra features and tools such as filters and citation generators.
Or search for databases in Library search. If you are off-campus, you will be prompted to login.
Library databases, ejournal and ebook collections all work in different ways. Each database will have a help option to guide you.
They may also have online tutorials, videos or guides to searching that will help you make the best use of that particular database.
Search smarter and retrieve relevant results using search techniques to help with developing your search.
Most library databases will provide full-text access to an entire document to read, print or save. However, some will only include a summary or a citation.
If there is no full-text available, look for the Findit@ACU (Find It at ACU) icon to check if we have access to the full-text in another database, or if there is a print copy available in one of our campus libraries.
Click on the Findit icon and follow the instructions on the screen when you see it in a database.
If you prefer to start your research using Google or Google Scholar, use search tools to automatically connect to library-subscribed content and get fast access to full text articles wherever you are on the web.